Hiking the Ridge Trail in Forest Park

This is a great option for a quick hike when you don't have time to get out of the city but need to satisfy your craving to get outside and escape the noise of bustling Portland. Follow Firelane 7 from the Springville Trailhead up towards Leif Erickson Drive and the Ridge Trail. There are signs and maps throughout the park that provide you with plenty of information to create a loop for yourself. Just be sure to get on the Ridge Trail and follow it down towards the river and Hwy 30 for one of the best views of the St. John's Bridge framed between two maples. Bring your boots - this one can get muddy!

Pack List

Waterproof hiking shoes

Rain jacket

Water

Camera

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Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Nice hike with incline, wide bike paths, and great view of St. Johns Bridge

Description as short trail near the city, caught our eye. We headed to 10901 NW Old Springville Rd, late afternoon. There was plenty of parking, with five cars already there. Some nice hikers told us three trails converge back at this spot, so we could take Hardesty, Springville, or Wildwood, to find our way back. We started on Firelane 7, headed to Hardesty. Hardesty was downhill the whole way, but an excellent trail. From there we went slightly SE on Leif Erickson, to catch up with Ridge trail. Leif Erickson is a wide bike path, a nice break from the downhill and ridge. Ridge trail is narrow, with switchbacks, but is worth the trip to the outlook spot to catch a photo of St. Johns Bridge. From the lookout spot back to our car (following the same route), it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes.